Shop 'til you drop

Don't miss these holiday craft fairs and DIY markets coming up

According to the lights strung throughout trees around your neighborhood and the latest Justin Bieber album, the holiday season has arrived early. Cue the collective sighing.

But don’t let the sometimes pressuring countdown get you down. Instead of “Bah-humbug”ing for the next month or so, embrace the season of giving at these annual favorite craft markets and vintage fairs.

DEC. 1-4

One of a Kind Show and SaleWhen: Noon-9 p.m. Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. SundayWhere: Merchandise MartCost: $12Go for: The optionsTrying to get all of your shopping done in one fell swoop? Peruse goods from more than 650 vendors at this annual showcase, now in its 11th year.

DEC. 3 AND DEC. 10

Edgewater Artists in Motion’s Boutique Holiday Art MartWhen: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.Where: Le Gallery Thorndale, 1106 W. Thorndale Ave.Cost: FreeGo for: The communitySupport the local economy at this South Side art mart, featuring gifts and artwork made exclusively by local artists in an effort to spur growth in the neighborhood. Live music and raffles also on site to make shopping even sweeter.

DEC. 3-4

Renegade Craft Fair Holiday SaleWhen: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.Where: Pulaski Park Fieldhouse, 1419 W. Blackhawk St.Cost: FreeGo for: The usual suspectsOne of the most beloved craft extravaganzas returns for its annual winter sale, featuring more than 150 artists hawking posters, comics, ceramics and more. Food and drink vendors also on site for when you need to refuel.

DEC. 3-4

Do-Division HolidayWhen: 11 a.m.Where: Division Street between Milwaukee Avenue and Leavitt StreetCost: FreeGo for: The perksTreat yourself to discounts and food and drink deals in between celebrating the "gift of giving" at shops and restaurants along Division Street in Wicker Park. Want to go all out? Hop in one of the free horse-drawn carriages that whisks you off to the Renegade Craft Fair Holiday Sale just down the street.

DEC. 10

Handmade MarketWhen: Noon-4 p.m. Where: Empty BottleCost: FreeGo for: The drinks Tipsy shopping can either be very successful or very dangerous. Find out for yourself at this 21 and up event, where you can find handmade jewelry, purses, scarves, greeting cards and more.